Cardiff University Journalism & Digital Media PhD Studentship 2026

The School of Journalism, Media and Culture (Cardiff University) and the Department of Media and Communications (Swansea University) are delighted to offer fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships in the Journalism, Digital Media & Democracy Pathway starting in October 2026.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: December 11, 2025
2. Study Level: PhD
3. Sponsor: Cardiff University
4. City to Study: Cardiff
5. School to Study: Cardiff University
6. Course to Study: Journalism, Digital Media & Democracy
7. Eligible Countries: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Cardiff University Journalism & Digital Media PhD Studentship 2026

1. To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters.
2. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
3. WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students.
4. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate.
5. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short interview online. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to answer a series of panel questions?about their proposed project, as well as their relevant skills and experience.

Application Documents

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. WGSSS Studentship Application Form 2026
2. Academic CV (two pages maximum)
3. 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths).
4. Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)
5. If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)

Benefits of Cardiff University Journalism & Digital Media PhD Studentship 2026

1. The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.
2. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

How to Apply

Applications should be received no later than Wednesday, 11 December 2025 including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applications should be submitted via email to JOMEC-PGR@cardiff.ac.uk.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. WGSSS Studentship Application Form 2026
2. Academic CV (two pages maximum)
3. 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application). The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths.
4. Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)
5. If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)

Applicants should identify a potential supervisor before submitting their application. Information on staff research specialisms can be found on the respective webpages of Swansea University and Cardiff University.

Further information on the timeline for processing applications is available on the WGSSS website.

For more details, visit Cardiff University scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

December 11, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Cardiff University Journalism & Digital Media PhD Studentship 2026